Small dog breeds make great pets for many reasons, from their friendly personalities and low energy levels to their adaptability in various living situations. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, small dogs are a great companion for any lifestyle. Here’s a look at 10 of the best small dog breeds out there, perfect for any pet owners looking for a fur-baby!
What are the Origins of Small Dog Breeds?
Small companion dogs have been around for centuries and have become increasingly popular in recent years. The first little dogs appeared around 500 BCE in Egypt and were an ancient breed also seen in Europe during the Middle Ages. In ancient times, these breeds were kept as lapdogs and were bred to be smaller due to their popularity with royalty. Over the course of centuries, these original little dogs evolved into the modern toy breeds found today, which are still selected for companionship and loyalty. No matter the breed or origin, small companion dogs and other toy dog breeds continue to bring comfort and joy to homes all across the world!
What to Look for When Choosing a Small Dog Breed
When choosing small dog breeds, there are many important things to consider. Be sure to research the breed of dog you’re interested in, as some may have higher exercise or grooming needs than others. Get an understanding of the temperament of the breed and make sure it’s compatible with your lifestyle and home environment. Additionally, look into any health issues that a particular breed might be prone to. Finally, spend time getting to know the puppy you’re considering adopting – observe their behavior around other dogs, people and animals, and make sure it’s a good fit for all involved. With these steps taken into consideration, you’ll be much better prepared to choose a small pup that fits right into your family!
So if you’re looking for a lifelong companion consider one of the following small dog breeds:
Beagle:
A scent hound by nature, these hunting dogs have gentle personalities that make them wonderful family pets. They don’t require much exercise but love running around outside if given the chance to do so!
Boston Terrier:
These intelligent little pooches are full of energy and ready to explore whatever space they find themselves in with enthusiasm! Although Boston Terriers need plenty of mental stimulation to stay happy, Boston Terriers don’t require too much physical activity which makes them perfect for busy families or those living in cities without easy access to parks or trails. The Boston Terrier is the perfect companion for the active household.
Cairn Terrier:
These courageous terriers have a mischievous, stubborn streak, and are always ready for an adventure. Cairn Terrers make great watchdogs, as they’re alert and bark when necessary. They may be small in size but their personalities more than make up for it!
Chihuahua:
One of the smallest dogs and most popular small dog breeds, the Chihuahua is known for its intelligence and outgoing personality. This pup is willing to learn all kinds of tricks and can be quite protective of its family. They come in many colors and markings too!
Cocker Spaniel:
If you’re looking for a pup that loves adventure, then the Cocker Spaniel is perfect! These pups are great family pets who enjoy being around toddles, older children, and other dogs, and they can tackle any obstacle or chaperone you on your outdoor excursions. Plus, their long flowing coats make them look like little teddy bears!
Dachshund:
These long-bodied cuties are friendly and make great family pets. While they can be quite energetic at times, they’re also content with lounging around the house too! Dachshunds, also called wiener dogs, come in a variety of colors and sizes, from small to standard – making them perfect for any home.
French Bulldog:
Notorious for their comical looks & big personalities, French Bulldogs are great family companions that require minimal exercise and grooming care. These low-maintenance pups can be stubborn, but they also love cuddles & playtime so be sure to always keep them entertained with plenty of toys! It’s no wonder they were to most popular breed of 2022 according to the American Kennel Club.
Poodle Toy:
With both Toy poodles and Miniature Poodles available, they make great family companions as well as watchdogs due to their protective nature. They have moderate energy levels, making them suitable companions for either city living or suburban life.
Papillon:
With its long, silky coat and alert expression, this small pooch is often called the “butterfly dog” due to it’s wing like ears. They’re energetic and make great companions – plus they don’t shed much! Papillons also need minimal grooming so they’re a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance pup.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi:
These adorable dogs were originally bred as working farm dogs but now make great housemates thanks to their cheerful dispositions and loyalty! Corgis are intelligent and athletic so they will definitely keep you on your toes when it comes to walks or outdoor adventures together.
Pomeranian:
This little dog is known for its fluffy coat, outgoing personality, and intelligence. They are an active breed that loves to play but can also be quite independent, which makes them great for those looking for a pup who won’t require too much attention.
Pug:
This small dog breed loves to be the center of attention and can even learn a few tricks, making them ideal for anyone looking for an active pup. Pugs are known for their unique wrinkled faces and big eyes, and they make great cuddle buddies too!
Russell Terrier:
This small breed is full of energy and loves to be active. These terriers are incredibly intelligent and they can learn commands quickly, making them easily trainable. However, they are also independent enough that they won’t need constant supervision or attention.
Miniature Schnauzer:
These spunky pups are small yet mighty and have a big personality to match. They’re surprisingly low maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do need daily exercise in order
Yorkshire Terrier:
This fearless little pup is perfect for the city dweller or anyone who can’t commit to long outdoor walks. The Yorkshire Terrier is a very high energy breed of dogs and need plenty of playtime to keep them entertained, but their small size makes them easy to take along in a purse or backpack if you’re on the go!
A Few Small Dog Breed Honorable Mentions!
Bichon Frise:
These fluffy white small dogs have sweet temperaments that make them good companions even with children (but take extra care!). They are playful yet relatively low-energy dogs so you won’t need to break out into too many sweat sessions just playing catch indoors with your Bichon buddy!
Basenji:
This ancient breed is highly intelligent and loves to explore. They don’t bark like most dogs, instead they yodel or howl which can be quite entertaining! Basenjis, the barkless dog, is also known for their independence, so they’ll need an owner who is patient and consistent in their training.
Shih Tzu:
This “lion” breed has been popular in China for centuries thanks to their patient natures – a trait that makes them excellent lapdogs who blossom when pampered with love (so don’t forget daily grooming!) Their playful antics will bring lots of joy into your home with minimal effort required on your part – win-win situation right here with the Shih Tzu!
German Spitz:
An intelligent breed known as one of the oldest domestic dogs, German Spitzes are loyal companion animals who form strong bonds with their favorite people (ahem: you). Despite being relatively energetic dogs that need daily exercise, these guys are content just spending time inside your home enjoying cuddle-time on the couch or accompanying you while running errands outside the house – no matter what you choose, this pup will always be happy tagging along!
Brussels Griffon:
Extremely smart but also surprisingly independent at times, this pooch gets along well with other animals but prefers clashing it out more often than not when paired up with another pup – sure enough entertainment guaranteed any day! Besides having a feisty personality (and adorable appearance!), these little guys give off very few odors which means less messes & fewer baths – perfect for anyone who hates cleaning up after furry friends ?
Maltese:
This toy breed stands proudly at 4 – 9 pounds yet makes an impression wherever it goes thanks to its glamorous silky coat & good temperaments towards both adults & kids alike (just take care since they can be sensitive at times!). Even though they prefer life indoors most days, Maltese dogs can still enjoy short trips outside or even neighborhood walks – go ahead & show off this tiny ball o’ fluff perched atop your shoulder ?
Havanese:
These happy-go-lucky pups love to cuddle and get along with other pets and children. They are affectionate and require regular exercise, although they don’t need as much activity as some other small breeds. Plus, their silky coat is super easy to maintain!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
This loyal pup is gentle and loves to be around people. They make great lapdogs, but are also active enough for a daily walk or two. Cavaliers come in four different colors and have a wavy, silky coat that needs minimal grooming – perfect for the busy pet parent!
Rat Terrier:
This smart and spunky little dog loves to play and is great for those who want an active pup who also enjoys cuddles on the couch. Rat Terriers are loyal and friendly, which makes them excellent family pets. They may be small in size but they have big personalities – just make sure they get plenty of exercise!
Jack Russell Terrier:
This little pup is full of energy and loves to play. They need daily exercise and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy, but they make great companions who are loyal, friendly, and fearless. Jack Russell Terriers can be quite independent though so an owner that sets clear boundaries is a must!
American Eskimo Dog:
This breed is known for its intelligence and outgoing personality. They love to explore, play and take long walks. The American Eskimo dog is also a great watchdog and loves nothing more than snuggling up with their people. With regular grooming, these pups will stay looking as beautiful as ever!
Border Terrier:
This small breed has a lot of energy, but they’re also quite independent. Border Terriers are very loyal and affectionate with their owners, but can be wary of strangers. They require plenty of exercise and need an owner who is consistent in their training. With the right amount of attention, these pups make great family pets!
Scottish Terrier:
These small but strong terriers are known for their independent and determined personalities. They’re loyal to their families and need plenty of attention, exercise, and training to stay happy. Regular grooming is also important in order to keep their coats looking its best. With the right tools and commitment they can make great companions!
Alaskan Klee Kai:
This small breed was developed to look like a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky. They have an abundance of energy, but also enjoy quiet time with their family. The Alaskan Klee Kai is intelligent and needs plenty of mental stimulation, so they’re not a great fit for those looking for a low maintenance pup. But with the right amount of exercise
Finding the Right Breeder for Small Dog Breeds
When searching for a breeder for small dog breeds, it’s important to do your research. Verify that the breeder is reputable and that the puppies have been given proper care and vaccinations. Ask questions about their breeding practices, such as how they socialize the puppies and ensure their overall health. Additionally, be sure to visit the breeder’s facility in person if possible – this will give you an opportunity to interact with the puppies and ensure they are being cared for properly. Being thorough in these steps will help you find a puppy from a responsible breeder and guarantee that you’ll get a healthy new companion.
How to Pick the Right Breed for You?
With so many Amazing small dog breeds, how do you pick the one that suits your specific needs? Well luckily there is a tool just for figuring that out. The Furlyfe.com Breed Page allows you to select small breed dogs and filter for size, coat, breed group, and eighteen different characteristics from grooming difficulty to child friendly. This filter tool will allow you to find the perfect companion for your specific needs.
What Are You Waiting For? Your Small Dog Breed Awaits
Small dogs make great pets for a variety of reasons. They often have lower energy levels, making them suitable for city living or those with busy lifestyles. Additionally, they are typically easy to train and can be quite protective of their family members. While all small dog breeds have their own unique personality traits, the ones we’ve listed above are some of the most popular breeds for good reason! If you’re looking for a loyal companion dog who won’t take up too much space in your home (or on your lap!), any one of these little pooches would be a perfect choice.
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